Oak and Ember leans into zero waste living with tallow balms, a magnesium option, and body soaps that leave skin feeling clean and calm.…
4900 Lyndale Dr
“Oak and Ember leans into zero waste living with tallow balms, a magnesium option, and body soaps that leave skin feeling clean and calm. They also stock handsome teak cutting boards, making it an easy local pick around Ankeny when you want a thoughtful gift that’s actually useful.”
Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, a little bling, or you just want to browse pretty things and call it self-care, Cottage By the…
3800 Merle Hay Rd
“Whether you need a last-minute hostess gift, a little bling, or you just want to browse pretty things and call it self-care, Cottage By the Creek has unique home accents, kids’ gifts, pretty jewelry, gourmet treats, Christmas ornaments, artful tabletop touches and garden-friendly finds.”
By Wysteria makes artisan soap and candles that make your bathroom feel fancy without trying too hard. Find them at the Downtown Des Moines…
1208 42nd St
“By Wysteria makes artisan soap and candles that make your bathroom feel fancy without trying too hard. Find them at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market or through the Iowa Food Cooperative, and keep an eye on workshops and private events.”
From the Des Moines newsletter, September 19, 2026
APN African Marketplace brings authentic African heritage to your closet with statement clothing plus shoes, accessories, and home accents,…
3015 Merle Hay Rd #9
“APN African Marketplace brings authentic African heritage to your closet with statement clothing plus shoes, accessories, and home accents, curated by a Des Moines team. Great for when your neutrals feel sleepy, and you want color, craftsmanship, and pieces that actually start conversations.”
Purple Moon's Magical Emporium is a trusted local stop for metaphysical supplies right here in DSM. It’s the kind of place you wander,…
3427 Merle Hay Rd
“Purple Moon's Magical Emporium is a trusted local stop for metaphysical supplies right here in DSM. It’s the kind of place you wander, compare vibes, and leave with tools that actually fit your practice... or at least make your bookshelf look a lot more intentional.”
From the Des Moines newsletter, September 20, 2026
Whether you need a just-because pick-me-up, wedding florals that actually feel like you, or a sympathy bouquet that says the right thing,…
3801 Ingersoll Ave
“Whether you need a just-because pick-me-up, wedding florals that actually feel like you, or a sympathy bouquet that says the right thing, Boesen The Florist - Ingersoll Ave crafts tasteful arrangements and offers local delivery, with Designer’s Choice and Signature Collection options that always land just right.”
From expertly curated gift boxes and picnic-ready baskets to a subscribe-and-snack Cheese Club, The Cheese Shop nails the weeknight spread…
833 42nd St b
“From expertly curated gift boxes and picnic-ready baskets to a subscribe-and-snack Cheese Club, The Cheese Shop nails the weeknight spread and the last-minute party save, with friendly mongers, artisan meats, chocolate, and a nudge toward Cheese Bar’s cast-iron mac if you decide to make a night of it.”
From the Des Moines newsletter, September 12, 2026
When dinner plans fall flat or your desk needs a mood boost this week, The Wild Orchid whips up custom floral designs, lush orchids and…
2415 Ingersoll Ave
“When dinner plans fall flat or your desk needs a mood boost this week, The Wild Orchid whips up custom floral designs, lush orchids and terrariums, chic hat box arrangements, and gift baskets loaded with wine and spa goodies, cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, and strawberries.”
Domestica is a Des Moines gift shop for when you need something that feels picked-just-for-them, with a mix of home and art pieces, clever…
Mainframe Arts, 900 Keosauqua Way Studio 300
“Domestica is a Des Moines gift shop for when you need something that feels picked-just-for-them, with a mix of home and art pieces, clever cards, jewelry, and other fun stuff, plus print-on-demand goodies. Perfect for last-minute birthdays or a self-treat when Tuesdays are being Mondays.”
From the Des Moines newsletter, September 21, 2026
AllSpice Culinarium is the kind of local spot that fixes boring dinners fast, with walls of spices, flavorful salts and peppers, rubs and…
400 E Locust St Unit 5
“AllSpice Culinarium is the kind of local spot that fixes boring dinners fast, with walls of spices, flavorful salts and peppers, rubs and blends, baking must-haves, plus good oils and vinegars. Their handy recipe collection makes weeknight experiments way less risky... and the gift sets save you from last-minute panic.”
Blank Park Zoo Gift Shop is the spot for playful take-home finds that keep the animal magic going long after your visit. Even better, a…
7401 SW 9th St
“Blank Park Zoo Gift Shop is the spot for playful take-home finds that keep the animal magic going long after your visit. Even better, a portion of every dollar supports wildlife conservation, so your impulse buy basically counts as doing good.”
Wildflower is the local go-to for arrangements that feel custom, unique, and a little bit wow, whether it's a Tuesday pick me up or a…
2718 Ingersoll Ave
“Wildflower is the local go-to for arrangements that feel custom, unique, and a little bit wow, whether it's a Tuesday pick me up or a milestone moment. Count on same-day delivery around Des Moines, floral subscriptions and classes, plus full wedding and event design with thoughtful, curated style.”
From the Des Moines newsletter, September 14, 2026
Boesen The Florist makes moments mean more with boutique floral designs, a solid Designer’s Choice when you want their artistry, and green…
3422 Beaver Ave
“Boesen The Florist makes moments mean more with boutique floral designs, a solid Designer’s Choice when you want their artistry, and green or flowering plants that actually thrive. They deliver across the metro, so you can upgrade your space or save the day without leaving the living room.”
Whether you need a closet refresh or a last-minute outfit, Cindy's Boutique in Valley Junction nails multi-generational style with…
114 5th St W (West Des Moines)
“Whether you need a closet refresh or a last-minute outfit, Cindy's Boutique in Valley Junction nails multi-generational style with personalized styling, fun Girls Get-Together shopping nights, and a purple door vibe locals love. New arrivals drop daily, plus rewards, a VIP Text Club, and easy local pickup or shipping.”
May Eleven is the East Village boutique spinning up new arrivals of wearable-trendy pieces, from Free People tops and PISTOLA denim to…
350 E Locust St Ste 103
“May Eleven is the East Village boutique spinning up new arrivals of wearable-trendy pieces, from Free People tops and PISTOLA denim to Steve Madden shoes, plus jewelry that actually completes the outfit. Peek the crochet set or the IOWA Reversible Sweatshirt, then treat yourself this week.”
Tulip Bloom Boutique is run by sisters who mix trendy, size-inclusive women’s fashion with stylish home accents and giftable finds, all…
138 5th St (West Des Moines)
“Tulip Bloom Boutique is run by sisters who mix trendy, size-inclusive women’s fashion with stylish home accents and giftable finds, all thoughtfully curated in Historic Valley Junction. Expect brands like Jodifl and Pretty Simple bags that support type 1 diabetes research and advocacy...”
Since 1912, Graziano Brothers has been the go-to for legendary fresh Italian sausage, stacked deli "sangwiches" like the sausage grinder,…
1601 S Union St
“Since 1912, Graziano Brothers has been the go-to for legendary fresh Italian sausage, stacked deli "sangwiches" like the sausage grinder, and shelves of oils, tomato products, pastas, breads, cheeses, and meats. Stop in this week when your pantry needs a glow-up and your lunch needs a hug.”
Venus Moon Studio & Shop is part boutique, part creative clubhouse serving up curated local goods, vintage finds, and mystical treasures,…
6563 University Ave (Windsor Heights)
“Venus Moon Studio & Shop is part boutique, part creative clubhouse serving up curated local goods, vintage finds, and mystical treasures, plus workshops, craft nights, and open studio time. Supplies and kits are ready when inspiration hits, and owner Nicole also offers bridal makeup and cosmetic tattooing.”
